A federal judge on Monday dismissed President Trump's defamation lawsuit against the publisher of The Wall Street Journal.
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles, based in Miami, Fla., ruled Trump hadn't made a valid legal claim that he was defamed by an article about a letter to financier Jeffrey Epstein bearing Trump's name.
"Because President Trump has not plausibly alleged that defendants published the article with actual malice, both Counts must be dismissed," wrote Gayles, who was appointed by President Barack Obama. The judge said Trump could file a new amended lawsuit if he wishes, and gave him until April 27 to do so.
A spokesman for Trump’s legal team said the president would “refile this powerhouse lawsuit” against the Journal and other defendants.
A representative for the Wall Street Journal’s publisher didn’t respond to a request for comment.
The Wall Street Journal reported in July that a book given to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003 included a letter with typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman. "Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret," the letter said. It was signed, "Donald."
The article included comments from Trump, who denied writing the letter and threatened legal action.
The letter was subsequently released by Congress, which received a copy of the birthday book from Epstein's estate.
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